Traveller-friendly oral health initiative launched in Cork

Over the coming months, community health workers in Cork will participate in oral health workshops, delivering the resource locally within their communities
Traveller-friendly oral health initiative launched in Cork

Colm Burke TD joins Mary Coleman, Dental Health Foundation CEO Orlaith Kennedy, and Dental Health Foundation chair Anne Twomey at the launch of a child oral health initiative for Traveller parents in Shandon Picture: Darragh Kane.

The Dental Health Foundation Ireland has launched a child oral health initiative designed to support Traveller parents and their children at an event in Shandon.

A Caring for Your Child’s Gums and Teeth educational flipbook, developed in collaboration with the Cork Traveller Visibility Group, fridge magnet featuring simple tooth care tips, and an animated online video have been released as part of the initiative.

Designed with accessibility in mind, the flipbook uses plain English, colour-coded sections, and imagery that reflects Traveller culture and identity.

The resource was created with significant input from Traveller community health workers in Cork.

Over the coming months, community health workers in Cork will participate in oral health workshops, delivering the resource locally within their communities.

Best start in life

Paul O’Dwyer, a dental surgeon and board member of the Dental Health Foundation Ireland, said: “Healthy baby teeth without decay is one of the best starts a child can have in life.

“Babies are not born with tooth decay and, through this initiative, we want to help families to think about their food and drink choices, and oral hygiene practices. Simple changes can make a significant difference — from avoiding sugary drinks and bed-time bottles to establishing healthy brushing habits early.”

Eileen Burke, a community health worker with the Cork Traveller Visibility Group, added: “One of the main reasons we got involved in this booklet was because we wanted it to be Traveller-friendly.

“It was done with Travellers, for Travellers. We wanted to ensure that any Traveller that had literacy problems would be able to relate to it, be able to comprehend what the booklet is saying, and that it would use images that reflect our community,” said Ms Burke.

“Oral health is a big issue for those Travellers with poor access to sanitation. Kids may not have the space to be able to brush their teeth, if they’re living in a very small caravan.

“If the weather is bad, it’s going to be hard for the children to go out and brush their teeth too. It can also be difficult to achieve in practice when running water and washroom facilities are not available or out of service.

“Thanks to this new initiative, I think people in our community will not only gain a lot of information from the booklet, but also a lot of confidence in better looking after their children’s oral health.”

more Cork health articles

Female mental health Spike in numbers waiting for counselling services at Cork Sexual Health Centre
Doctors at Cork hospital call for 'immediate action' to mitigate risk of 'preventable paediatric deaths' Doctors at Cork hospital call for 'immediate action' to mitigate risk of 'preventable paediatric deaths'
Patient information sheet with a stethoscope More than 84,000 people waiting for treatment in Cork hospitals last month

More in this section

Garda lantern sign Gardaí at scene of serious collision in Cork city
Cork postman's murder trial to resume next week as absent juror due to return on Monday Cork postman's murder trial to resume next week as absent juror due to return on Monday
Brother of junior minister takes over as the new Mayor of the County of Cork  Brother of junior minister takes over as the new Mayor of the County of Cork 

Sponsored Content

Young woman managing finances at home with phone and piggy bank Government Personal Investment Account must target mainstream savers
Powering performance: South East Technological University is shaping sporting success Powering performance: South East Technological University is shaping sporting success
Portrait smiling senior woman making purchases in the supermarket selecting checking a product. Caucasian elderly customer in gr Safe2Eat 2026: Helping Irish people make safer, smarter food choices this summer
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more